A mentally ill man, who had escaped care, stabbed three in Sydney, killing one, during a hospital transfer on Feb. 17, 2026.

A 25-year-old man, described as a complex mental health patient, has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing three people in Merrylands, Sydney, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, resulting in one death and two serious injuries. The suspect had disappeared 10 days earlier during a transfer between a mental health facility and Westmead Hospital’s emergency department. Authorities confirmed he had previously absconded from care and was known to law enforcement. The attack, which occurred around mid-morning, has raised concerns about gaps in mental health patient tracking and care coordination during hospital transfers. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.